Football
Chris Wright, Toe Poke writer 6y

Transfer Talk: Lucas Hernandez on Man United radar; Man City seek back-line help

The transfer window in all of Europe's big five leagues is now closed, but that doesn't stop Transfer Talk from rummaging through the remains of the summer window to scrounge up the earliest bit of gossip about who will be moving where come January.

Manchester United target Atleti's Lucas Hernandez

Jose Mourinho may have missed out on several defensive targets over the course of the summer window, but it sounds like it won't be long before Manchester United are finally able to add to their back-line.

France Football speculate that Lucas Hernandez might well be the next new face through the door at Old Trafford, should United decide to match the French left-back's €75million release clause at Atletico Madrid.

Real Madrid are also said to be interested in Hernandez, a move that could potentially see the French international reunited with younger brother Theo, who is currently on loan at Real Sociedad from Los Blancos.

Lucas only agreed a new long-term contract extension with Atleti a couple of months ago, but the report suggests it might not be enough to prevent offers rolling in once the market opens up again in January.

Manchester United rule out John Terry move

Speaking of Manchester United's defensive shortcomings, the club have reportedly moved to nix rumours that they are considering offering a short-term contract to John Terry.

The grizzled former England captain, 37, is currently without a club after leaving Championship side Aston Villa at the end of last season. However, the Manchester Evening News have nipped any chatter in the bud by confirming that United have "no plans" to once again pair Terry with Mourinho, his former manager at Chelsea.

Apropos of nothing in particular, United's No.26 shirt is currently vacant ...

Manchester City seek Benjamin Mendy cover

Manchester City are reportedly keeping tabs on Real Betis left-back Junior Firpo as the Premier League side seek to recruit cover for Benjamin Mendy.

While midfielders Fabian Delph and Oleksandr Zinchenko have both proven to be willing and able deputies at full-back, neither are viewed as a long-term solution.

As such, Pep Guardiola has instructed his scouts to monitor 22-year-old Firpo, who received his first call-up to the Spain Under-21 side this week after an impressive start to his career at Betis.

However, according to El Confidencial, City are unlikely to get Firpo on the cheap as the young defender has just signed a new contract with the La Liga side which includes a €60m release clause.

Tap-ins

- Liverpool have agreed a £500,000 deal to sign 15-year-old Sunderland academy midfielder Luca Stephenson, dubbed by those in the know to be "the new Jordan Henderson", so say The Sun.

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